After seven seasons with the Down East Wood Ducks, Kinston will welcome a new professional baseball team, the Down East Bird Dawgs, to Grainger Stadium as part of the Frontier League. The announcement was made during a press conference at the stadium on Tuesday and marks a new chapter for the city and its strong baseball tradition.
The Frontier League, a partner of Major League Baseball, will bring a professional team to Kinston starting in 2025. The move is seen as an opportunity for Kinston to continue its 75-year tradition of hosting professional baseball, which has included teams from the Yankees, Braves and Indians, among others.
Scott Alston, director of Lenoir County Parks and Recreation, opened the event by thanking the community and local leaders for their support. “Grainger Stadium has long been a beacon of economic tourism for sporting events,” Alston said. “Over the past 75 years, we have attracted teams such as the Blue Jays, Eagles, Wood Ducks and Indians and we look forward to what the future holds for Kinston and Lenoir County.”
Mayor Don Hardy also addressed the crowd and thanked the Wood Ducks organization for their contribution to the community. “Your presence has truly energized Kinston and created unforgettable memories for fans, families and aspiring athletes,” Hardy said. “The impact you have had on our community extends beyond the games on the field.”
The transition to the Frontier League is part of an effort to ensure professional baseball stays in Kinston, despite the departure of the Wood Ducks. The Frontier League, a professional affiliate league of Major League Baseball, operates independently but works with all 30 major league teams to showcase players and provide them with opportunities to advance in their careers.
Frontier League Commissioner Steve Tahsler shared his excitement about the expansion to Kinston. “The Frontier League is professional baseball, and we are very excited to have Frontier League baseball in Kinston, North Carolina in 2025 and for many years to come,” Tahsler said, emphasizing the league’s mission to provide opportunities for players and be a long-term partner in the community.
